Visit our ShowsiteWhat to Grow in a Greenhouse This Autumn
What to grow in a greenhouse is a question many UK gardeners ask as summer crops fade and the cooler months set in. The good news is, your growing season doesn't have to end here. From fresh salad leaves to fragrant herbs, an autumn greenhouse can keep your garden productive well into winter.
Whether you're an experienced grower or curious about what to grow in a greenhouse for beginners, the right structure makes all the difference. A good-quality greenhouse extends your growing season, shields your plants from unpredictable weather, and creates a stable microclimate that keeps crops healthy. You can explore the full range of greenhouses at elbec to suit every space and style.
Autumn is an ideal time to buy a greenhouse for those yet to invest. You can get it ready before the coldest weather hits, giving your seedlings and plants the protection they need when spring arrives.
Best Crops to Grow in a Greenhouse This Autumn
Growing in autumn is about choosing varieties that tolerate cooler conditions and shorter daylight hours. Some crops will thrive under glass, while others might need a little added protection from fleece or cloches inside your greenhouse.
Great autumn greenhouse crops include:
- Leafy greens: Spinach, rocket, lamb's lettuce, and winter-hardy lettuces.
- Brassicas: Pak choi, kale, and mustard greens for a nutrient-packed harvest.
- Herbs: Parsley, coriander, and chives grow well into winter.
- Root vegetables: Baby carrots, beetroot, and radishes.
- Overwintering plants: Broad beans and garlic can be started now for early spring crops.
With careful planning, you can continue harvesting right through Christmas-and even beyond for some varieties.
Why Aluminium Greenhouses Are Ideal for Autumn Growing
Thanks to their resilience and minimal upkeep, aluminium greenhouses are a favourite among UK gardeners. They don't rust, they're easy to clean, and their slim frames allow maximum light into your growing space-essential during shorter days.
8ft (2.13m x 2.47m) Palram - Canopia Oasis Hexagonal Greenhouse - Grey
One standout is the 8ft (2.13m x 2.47m) Palram - Canopia Oasis Hexagonal Greenhouse - Grey, a striking centrepiece for any garden with a compact footprint, generous headroom, twin-wall polycarbonate roof panels that diffuse light, and crystal-clear sides for excellent visibility.
12 x 10 (3.65m x 3.05m) Palram - Canopia Victory Orangery Garden Chalet - Grey
For larger spaces, the 12 x 10 (3.65m x 3.05m) Palram - Canopia Victory Orangery Garden Chalet - Grey offers a bright, airy interior perfect for growing and relaxing. It has a robust aluminium frame and weather-resistant glazing.
Elite Compact Aluminium Greenhouse 4x6
The Elite Compact Aluminium 4 x 6 greenhouse is perfect if you have a smaller space for growing vegetables. Shelving, staging and rainwater collecting equipment are part of the package, giving you everything you need to set up your new greenhouse.
Elite Belmont 8 x 6 Greenhouse
The Elite Belmont 8 x 6 Greenhouse offers the ideal balance between compact size and generous width. With an 8'5" frame and six-foot length, it provides ample growing space while fitting neatly into your garden.
Wooden Greenhouses for Autumn and Winter Planting
Wooden greenhouses bring traditional style and natural insulation, helping to regulate temperature as the season changes. They integrate beautifully into a garden and often include built-in shelving for convenience.
4 x 3 (1.26m x 0.96m) Forest Victorian Walkaround Greenhouse
The 4 x 3 (1.26m x 0.96m) Forest Victorian Walkaround Greenhouse is a great small-space choice, which provides excellent accessibility and ventilation for autumn herbs and seedlings.
6 x 8 Shire Holkham Wooden Greenhouse
For a more substantial growing area, the 6 x 8 Shire Holkham Wooden Greenhouse offers generous light-filled space and a heat-retaining timber frame to extend your harvest season.
Space-Saving Lean-to Greenhouses for Small Gardens
If garden space is tight, lean-to greenhouses are a clever way to add growing capacity while using an existing wall for warmth and shelter.
4'10" Wide (1.47m) Forest Victorian Tall Wall Greenhouse
The 4'10" Wide (1.47m) Forest Victorian Tall Wall Greenhouse maximises vertical growing potential-ideal for climbers and tall crops such as tomatoes or chillies.
8 x 4 (2.40m x 1.26m) Mercia Evesham Lean-to Greenhouse
For a larger lean-to, the 8 x 4 (2.40m x 1.26m) Mercia Evesham Lean-to Greenhouse offers wide double doors, excellent ventilation, and ample room for various autumn crops.
Elite Windsor 4 x 10 Lean to Greenhouse
The Elite Windsor 4x10 Lean-To Greenhouse is an excellent option for gardeners with larger spaces who want to make the most of their growing area. Combining generous dimensions with robust construction, it provides a spacious, productive environment while enhancing the style of your outdoor space.
Greenhouse Shed Combi
Greenhouse shed combos offer the best of both worlds with practical storage space alongside a dedicated growing area. They're perfect for gardeners who want convenience, efficiency, and style in one smart solution.
8 x 6 (2.44m x 1.97m) Mercia Greenhouse and Shed Combi
The 8x6 Mercia Greenhouse and Shed Combi combines growing space with practical storage in one smart design. Compact yet stylish, it fits neatly into smaller gardens while still offering plenty of room for your plants and projects.
Greenhouse Accessories That Boost Autumn Crop Success
The right greenhouse accessories can greatly improve your growing results, particularly in autumn, when conditions change quickly.
Elite Rainwater Kit (to One Gutter) for Freestanding Greenhouses
The Elite Rainwater Kit (to One Gutter) for Freestanding Greenhouses makes water collection simple and sustainable.
Elite Automatic Roof Vent Opener Kit
An Elite Automatic Roof Vent Opener Kit takes the guesswork out of temperature control, opening and closing vents as needed.
Forest Potting Bench - Pressure Treated - 3ft 6in Long
The Forest Potting Bench - Pressure Treated - 3ft 6in Long provides a durable, comfortable workspace for sowing, transplanting, and potting up plants.
Tips for Getting the Most from Your Greenhouse in Autumn
- Maximise light: Keep glazing clean to let in as much light as possible.
- Control humidity: Ventilate regularly to prevent fungal diseases.
- Insulate where needed: Use bubble wrap insulation to hold heat during colder nights.
- Stagger sowing: Plant in small batches to ensure a continuous harvest.
Choosing the Right Greenhouse for Autumn Growing
An autumn greenhouse offers far more than just a place to protect plants-it's a hub of productivity when most gardens are slowing down. Whether you're deciding what to grow in a greenhouse for beginners or looking to upgrade your current set-up, elbec garden buildings have options to suit every gardener.
From robust aluminium frames to charming wooden models and space-saving lean-tos, there's never been a better time to consider buying a greenhouse. Pair it with the right accessories to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce long after the leaves have fallen.
For expert advice or to explore our range in person, call us on 0115 965 9900, contact us, or visit our showsite today.
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Posted by Marilyn Elliott
21st August 2025
